For the first time ever, Hatzoloh of New York – the volunteer ambulance service that responds to over 50,000 emergency medical calls every year – has received City Council funding.
Under the leadership of Jewish Caucus Chairman Chaim Deutsch and Speaker Corey Johnson, as well as Councilmembers Helen Rosenthal and Andrew Cohen, Hatzoloh was allocated over $150,000 to support their work. With a widespread reach in different boroughs, Hatzoloh is comprised entirely of volunteers who are certified EMTs. Their average response time is just over two minutes, and they provide expert medical care, transport patients via ambulance to the hospital, and support families during an extremely difficult time.
Hatzoloh volunteers work closely with FDNY EMS and local hospitals to provide quality care for the patients they work with. Hatzoloh is deeply beneficial to New York City, primarily because it shoulders some of the burden that would otherwise fall upon the FDNY.
Councilman Chaim Deutsch said, “As someone whose family was on the receiving end of Hatzoloh’s care, I can personally attest to their professionalism, skill, and integrity. When a family member of mine suffered a stroke, Hatzoloh volunteers were at the door in less than a minute, and their efforts saved his life, without question. And their work doesn’t end at the emergency room doors – the volunteers follow up with the hospital, the patient’s family, and even the patient themselves to ensure that everything is taken care of. I am proud to be able to support Hatzoloh’s remarkable work, and I am grateful to Speaker Johnson for his recognition of their important role in New York City.”
“On behalf of Hatzoloh, our hundreds of first responder volunteers, and the tens of thousands of men, women and children that we provide emergency medical services to, we express our appreciation to Councilmember Chaim Deutsch, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and their colleagues for allocating critical funding for our operations,” said Isaac Stern on behalf of the executive board of Hatzolah.
Councilman Stephen Levin said, “I am proud the City Council will be providing funding for Hatzoloh to expand their programming. This volunteer organization has provided an invaluable service for 47 years. These funds will allow them expand their services and continue to save lives in keeping with their mission and to the benefit our communities.”
Councilmember Helen Rosenthal said, “Hatzoloh volunteers remind us of the power of meaningful community engagement and serve as a great example for all New Yorkers. I am thrilled that, for the first time, the City Council has allocated $150,000 in funding for Hatzoloh. In an age when anti-Semitism is explicit and hate crimes in New York City are on the rise, Jewish organizations which heal and care for New Yorkers across the city are more important than ever.”
Councilman Andrew Cohen said, “I am thrilled that for the first time New York City Council’s Jewish Caucus was able to secure this much-needed funding for Hatzoloh. This is the first time the City was able to secure this funding for a service that benefits the Jewish community across the city and I am honored to be a part of the process. I am thankful to Speaker Johnson, Jewish Caucus Chairman Council Member Chaim Deutsch, and to my colleagues at City Council for their work on this year’s budget.”
“Hatzoloh volunteer emergency medical services have been serving New Yorkers faithfully and diligently for over 30 years, we are grateful for the valuable work they do and we are now proud to be able to support them with City Council funding,” said Council Member Ben Kallos.
“Hatzoloh is among the first-rate organizations that help keep New Yorkers safe in the most serious circumstances,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “The newly allocated funding will allow the organization to continue to thrive as a critical component of our city’s emergency services system.”
“New York City’s Hatzolah service is an important auxiliary resources for first-responders serving Jewish communities across the city, “said Councilmember Mark Levine. “I applaud the work of the City Council’s Jewish Caucus for our success in allocating for the first time city funding to support Hatzolah’s important, life-saving mission.”
Councilman Rory Lancman said, “Every day, Hatzoloh emergency personnel provide quality care and support to Jewish New Yorkers in need. It is gratifying that the City Council is funding this remarkable organization for the first time, which will enable Hatzoloh volunteers to continue their lifesaving work.”
Councilman Alan Maisel said, “Hatzolah is one of our most important local organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of our communities. City Council Funding will be extremely beneficial in helping them to fulfill their mandate to help all New Yorkers.”
“We are proud to be able to support the work of Hatzoloh in the New York City budget,” said Councilmember Brad Lander. “I’m glad to help ensure that they can continue providing this important service for the community.”
